I adapted the 240sx engine mounts and shifter for a vq swap…. Hammered a little on the transmission runner and just cut the shifter hole further back… honestly a super easy swap
This is awesome and your little drift truck is the dream. I can't wait to see it finished. I've got a 91 hardbody and although it's beat up, I just love that thing. I can't even imagine how amazing it would be with the suspension you've done and everything.
I totally agree, the vq is easily one of the most underrated swaps. Interesting how close the weight is to a ka24e....a "de" might even be a little heavier than the whole vq package.
Just got some school money back from scholarships and I think I've made a definite choice on the Vq35 and will send pics of the mounted engine soon on my college parking lot lol
All I gotta say is that is so frickin sick. I vq swapped my 05 g35 coupe 6mt TWICE. First it was replace the rev up shortly that took a 💩. Then I got a DE low miles from jdm Chicago it looked cleannn just like yours!! 3 years later this DE still kicks ass! I beat it every single day the trans is incredibly strong I just love vqs overall after ripping the heart out and putting a new one in😂🔥 good video man
Yep, the deep dive into all the pertinent swap information will be episode 2. I just wanted to get this video out as an introduction. We will get really specific as time moves on.
You motivate me to get on my D21 build.!!! Friggen love the vids. I wish you did more even if they weren't up to the normal quality. Just shoot and go. I have the entire beebani 4link and z32 kit along with 5k in other parts just stacked. I hope to somewhat copy your build, but slightly different. I have a QR25DE from a spec v. I'm going full Sema quality while staying with nissan/nismo parts as much as possible. I want a simple vintage look with modern internals. I own a machine shop so I say I never have time. But I just bought a tube bender, so I'm making cages for the D21. Let me know if you want one, free of charge! It's my way of paying you for the how to videos
Wow, that is very generous! Thank you. I was actually going to start on my cage right after the truck was running. I have a JD2 bender with tons of dies and other equipment for making cages and etc. I used to do that for awhile back when I was in college trying to make ends meet. haha It's funny you mention restomod, that's what I want to do with a Nissan 720 I have my eye on. It would be cool to completely restore the truck and have a few of those modern bits to bring it up to date. I dig it!
What year is the VQ? I always thought a retrofit from Vg30 would be awesome. Glad to see al these guys doing it and keeping them alive, and for the culture (guys often just swap gm)
I’ve had a Vq35de sitting in my hardbody since 2013, never have had it running since I want to run the automatic that it came with. Doesn’t help that every place turns it down on helping since is not running a manual. Would love to get it going.
Super cool. The VQ has been good to me..I have no complaints about it..and my 06 4door G35 still has 141k on it..I baby it lol . Looking forward the G35 update. 👍
Is there anymore episodes on this build? Very much would like to see the full process. I've had my 95 hardbody for 11 years. Found a 40k mile ka24 about 3 years ago to replace my 300k engine that was in it originally. I would like more power and something else besides LS swapping it which I've seen locally done in 2 or 3 hardbodys in my little town in oklahoma.
I have an 06 g35 sedan 6mt and it burns oil but it has never left me stranded... I mean it has 125k miles on it, it's an amazing car...I even have a 12 g37 sedan 6mt with 55k miles they are great vehicles
Can you do a video breakdown on how to swap the d21, as far has the engine harness goes. I just got my hands on a 95, it’s my first truck and don’t know much about them.
I like the VQ as well. However they are not all so problem free as what you showed in your G35. I have a 03 350Z purchased with 93k miles in 2015. It definitely had oil leaks when I purchased it. Also I"ve run into the synchro issues on gears 4,5,6. Great engine but people should know there are issues they'll have to overcome with the powertrain and also the G's and Z's if they chose them as a platform.
I own a 93 Pathfinder, 4WD, automatic, I found a VQ35DE from a 2003 Pathfinder to swap it in. The 93 Pathfinder and the 2003 Pathfinder use the same automatic transmission, the RE4R01A, so my swap will not need a transmission adapter. My only concern are the dimensions and the spaces, for example if the VQ35 fits into the Pathfinder engine bay without massaging the firewall, or else. Waiting for the next video, thank you very much.
Interesting. I have a VK V8 to go in mine. It's about the size of a small factory but the reliability and HP will make it good if I can replace the brakes with something awesome.
Honestly, that all depends on what you’re looking to do with the truck in the end. The single jingle KA is a great engine, no doubt, and if your truck is a daily that you occasionally want seat time in, then it’s more than enough to have fun with. I had a blast in my little green SOHC KA D21! However, things really start to change when you want to approach that magical 300hp mark. The advantages of the VQ become immediately apparent over the KA in almost every regard. Pound for pound, and $ for $, the KA just can’t reliably compete with the VQ in this range. The VQ is roughly the same weight, lower center of gravity, double the horsepower, double the torque, and it happily lives there stock. Not to mention a nearly bulletproof 6-speed transmission comes standard. Things change again when hunting for 400hp+. At that point, adding a turbo to a fully forged KA is no longer a fools game. However, there are other swaps that would yield better results for the cost. No matter what, for reliability at those numbers, extensive things are required for the D21 and the money is kind of a wash. 400hp+ is when you get to use your imagination. 😎
@@Inner_Sanctum planning on doing a lil sunday cruiser. i've been trying to find the wheels all over the place but cant find them looks like they stopped making them. but the dream would to be to do the vq, this is just a work truck and i want to make it more than reliable on trips to just cruise. i got a foxbody in mind for a project soon, but i love this build man! keep going and always love the content!
I was wondering if it would be possible to mount a vq35 or even a vq37 on my 1986 4x4 5speed d21 trans. if you could give me some insight on if that’s possible I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks
Hello Chris, I see you know a lot about VQ35DE. GREAT! I see you are using Rotella Diesel oil in your VQ, and that works better then the regular oil?? If so I'm going to start using it also. I have a M35 283k, trying to get to 400k before doing a swap.
I know everyone throws the bigger vqs in but i cant seem to find anything with the vq20's i know the vq35 has more power and support but the vq20 and vq25 im sure is smaller and would have better mpg while still being a huge upgrade to all the factory options
What ecu & everything did you go with with that harness? I just picked up my d21 and have a vq/cd sitting up out of of my 350z builds & honestly wanting to do the same swap!
With the VQ, you’re able to drop the sway bar down with a “spacer” or drop the mounting location down to accommodate oil pan clearance. Having a sway bar up front is crucial if keeping the factory drag link steering.
Vq35 swap vs sr20det swap , wont mention sr20vet but cost vs hp and aftermarket support id say Sr is a way easier and performance potential bang for the buck !
Maybe. We are actually almost finished with everything on this truck. Still deciding whether I want to keep this channel anymore. Kind of not worth my time anymore. Haha
Yeah I understand that. You got some good content I just got one of these trucks so I never searched anything before but you do pop up as number one even in a google search for swaps. Unfortunately it looks like not as many people are into these trucks anymore so may not get the biggest following. Your drift truck is nice I have been watching what you did with that looks good.
Yes, it clears the factory crossmember and steering drag link with no issues. The only thing that has to be adjusted is the sway bar. We made small spacers that lower the sway bar mounting position to clear the pan. This was just the intro video. I will be doing a deep dive on episode 2 to show all the pertinent swap details.
This is awesome!! I'm working on a similar project, what oil pan are you using for the swap? My engine came out of a Maxima so I think I need to get a different oil pan for the VQ to fit in my D21. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks! We are using the factory upper and lower oil pan. This is a RWD VQ from a Z. We did a little research on using a Pathfinder oil pan since it is rear sump, but found that we were able to fit with the factory pan. I would probably stay away from the FWD version of the VQ for this swap. It will be much more of a headache in the long run. The block casting is totally different in regards to mounting and such. The mount location is tiny a pushed really far forward on the FWD VQs. Plus, you’d want the VQ to already be configured for a RWD application for ease of installation. Just my $.02.
This is the first time I've ever been on someone else's UA-cam!
This is the setup that I am planning on someday when the four banger gives up the ghost. I have a 89 D21 ..pretty clean.
I adapted the 240sx engine mounts and shifter for a vq swap…. Hammered a little on the transmission runner and just cut the shifter hole further back… honestly a super easy swap
First ❤️
I'm so glad, been waiting for this 😊
This is awesome and your little drift truck is the dream. I can't wait to see it finished. I've got a 91 hardbody and although it's beat up, I just love that thing. I can't even imagine how amazing it would be with the suspension you've done and everything.
Same. I guess you gotta have the guts to jump in and start making it so. I wouldn't like to be without my little truck for the duration though.
glad too see you back!
I totally agree, the vq is easily one of the most underrated swaps. Interesting how close the weight is to a ka24e....a "de" might even be a little heavier than the whole vq package.
Great video on the VQ! Can't wait to see more updates on Chris and your truck!
Love all videos and the info you put in as well, definitely appreciate the info on swaps and weight. Can’t wait to see your d21 finished and ripping.
YES. IVE BEEN WANTING TO DO A VQ SWAP ON A HARDBODY FOREVER👏👏
Nice Episode. So much knowledge and Information.
Just got some school money back from scholarships and I think I've made a definite choice on the Vq35 and will send pics of the mounted engine soon on my college parking lot lol
All I gotta say is that is so frickin sick. I vq swapped my 05 g35 coupe 6mt TWICE. First it was replace the rev up shortly that took a 💩.
Then I got a DE low miles from jdm Chicago it looked cleannn just like yours!! 3 years later this DE still kicks ass! I beat it every single day the trans is incredibly strong I just love vqs overall after ripping the heart out and putting a new one in😂🔥 good video man
Good luck my man I hope you finish that project in time 👍👍👍
Yes hell yea, juts seen this browsing for D21 vids and I’m gonna do this to my 86’ hardbody so I’m hoping u give a breakdown on what you’ve done
Yep, the deep dive into all the pertinent swap information will be episode 2. I just wanted to get this video out as an introduction. We will get really specific as time moves on.
Good to see you back on UA-cam I been patiently waiting for this build series where can I buy a set of these motor mounts
We are going to make a few adjustments to these mounts to optimize fitment over the next couple of weeks. After that, we can make a batch to sell.
You motivate me to get on my D21 build.!!! Friggen love the vids. I wish you did more even if they weren't up to the normal quality. Just shoot and go.
I have the entire beebani 4link and z32 kit along with 5k in other parts just stacked. I hope to somewhat copy your build, but slightly different. I have a QR25DE from a spec v. I'm going full Sema quality while staying with nissan/nismo parts as much as possible. I want a simple vintage look with modern internals.
I own a machine shop so I say I never have time. But I just bought a tube bender, so I'm making cages for the D21. Let me know if you want one, free of charge! It's my way of paying you for the how to videos
Wow, that is very generous! Thank you. I was actually going to start on my cage right after the truck was running. I have a JD2 bender with tons of dies and other equipment for making cages and etc. I used to do that for awhile back when I was in college trying to make ends meet. haha
It's funny you mention restomod, that's what I want to do with a Nissan 720 I have my eye on. It would be cool to completely restore the truck and have a few of those modern bits to bring it up to date. I dig it!
What year is the VQ? I always thought a retrofit from Vg30 would be awesome. Glad to see al these guys doing it and keeping them alive, and for the culture (guys often just swap gm)
Hows this mission going a year later?
I’ve had a Vq35de sitting in my hardbody since 2013, never have had it running since I want to run the automatic that it came with. Doesn’t help that every place turns it down on helping since is not running a manual. Would love to get it going.
Super cool.
The VQ has been good to me..I have no complaints about it..and my 06 4door G35 still has 141k on it..I baby it lol .
Looking forward the G35 update. 👍
when you guys ordered the harness from wiring specialties... did you get the vq35 -- 240sx s14 wiring harness or a standalone vq35 harness???
did you ever figure out what wiring harness it takes?
Is there anymore episodes on this build? Very much would like to see the full process. I've had my 95 hardbody for 11 years. Found a 40k mile ka24 about 3 years ago to replace my 300k engine that was in it originally. I would like more power and something else besides LS swapping it which I've seen locally done in 2 or 3 hardbodys in my little town in oklahoma.
I have an 06 g35 sedan 6mt and it burns oil but it has never left me stranded... I mean it has 125k miles on it, it's an amazing car...I even have a 12 g37 sedan 6mt with 55k miles they are great vehicles
Have a d21 that’s for sale in houston but you have me thinking about keeping and swapping to v6.
Can you do a video breakdown on how to swap the d21, as far has the engine harness goes. I just got my hands on a 95, it’s my first truck and don’t know much about them.
Anymore episodes with this particular swap
Oh finally I’ve been thinking about this for forever on my truck wondering if it would work because they came with the VG33
I like the VQ as well. However they are not all so problem free as what you showed in your G35. I have a 03 350Z purchased with 93k miles in 2015. It definitely had oil leaks when I purchased it. Also I"ve run into the synchro issues on gears 4,5,6. Great engine but people should know there are issues they'll have to overcome with the powertrain and also the G's and Z's if they chose them as a platform.
I own a 93 Pathfinder, 4WD, automatic, I found a VQ35DE from a 2003 Pathfinder to swap it in. The 93 Pathfinder and the 2003 Pathfinder use the same automatic transmission, the RE4R01A, so my swap will not need a transmission adapter. My only concern are the dimensions and the spaces, for example if the VQ35 fits into the Pathfinder engine bay without massaging the firewall, or else. Waiting for the next video, thank you very much.
Interesting. I have a VK V8 to go in mine. It's about the size of a small factory but the reliability and HP will make it good if I can replace the brakes with something awesome.
Yeah, I have a VK going into my other D21 as well. Brakes and suspension are a must!
Would it be worth it to vq swap or just beef up the ka? Like forged heads, lifters, cam etc…
Honestly, that all depends on what you’re looking to do with the truck in the end. The single jingle KA is a great engine, no doubt, and if your truck is a daily that you occasionally want seat time in, then it’s more than enough to have fun with. I had a blast in my little green SOHC KA D21!
However, things really start to change when you want to approach that magical 300hp mark. The advantages of the VQ become immediately apparent over the KA in almost every regard. Pound for pound, and $ for $, the KA just can’t reliably compete with the VQ in this range. The VQ is roughly the same weight, lower center of gravity, double the horsepower, double the torque, and it happily lives there stock. Not to mention a nearly bulletproof 6-speed transmission comes standard.
Things change again when hunting for 400hp+. At that point, adding a turbo to a fully forged KA is no longer a fools game. However, there are other swaps that would yield better results for the cost. No matter what, for reliability at those numbers, extensive things are required for the D21 and the money is kind of a wash. 400hp+ is when you get to use your imagination. 😎
@@Inner_Sanctum planning on doing a lil sunday cruiser. i've been trying to find the wheels all over the place but cant find them looks like they stopped making them. but the dream would to be to do the vq, this is just a work truck and i want to make it more than reliable on trips to just cruise. i got a foxbody in mind for a project soon, but i love this build man! keep going and always love the content!
@@97hardbdy trying to find Level 8 MK6 in 17x9 +0? Discount Tire still sells them, and I even think Summit started selling them.
Also my truck already has the V6 engine can those factory mount location work?
The VG30 in your truck and VQ35 have different engine mounting positions, so it won’t just bolt in without modification.
The truck transmission is different than the VQ as well, so you'll definitely have to do custom mounts throughout.
What about the VQ40? 🤔
I got a donor motor with the ecu, and 6 speed trans!
Thinking about throwing that into my 4wd D21
I was wondering if it would be possible to mount a vq35 or even a vq37 on my 1986 4x4 5speed d21 trans. if you could give me some insight on if that’s possible I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks
Hello Chris, I see you know a lot about VQ35DE. GREAT! I see you are using Rotella Diesel oil in your VQ, and that works better then the regular oil?? If so I'm going to start using it also. I have a M35 283k, trying to get to 400k before doing a swap.
Are there more videos on this build
I've got the factory vg30e in my d21
I like the swap idea 💡.... sofar
there are no bad engine from nissan ALL Nissan engine is good powerful and can take a lot
I know everyone throws the bigger vqs in but i cant seem to find anything with the vq20's i know the vq35 has more power and support but the vq20 and vq25 im sure is smaller and would have better mpg while still being a huge upgrade to all the factory options
Wassup bro I have a 93 d21 auto and a 03 g35 6mt and was wondering what I need to do this swap and keep my d21 auto
You think wrx seats will fit in a mk3 Jetta?
What ecu & everything did you go with with that harness? I just picked up my d21 and have a vq/cd sitting up out of of my 350z builds & honestly wanting to do the same swap!
We’re using the stock 350z ecu. I just disable NATS in Osiris.
What about the factory gauges where you able to make all those function
How do you think this swap would work on the D21 4x4 body?
What did you do to clear your sway bar or did you eliminate it completely?
With the VQ, you’re able to drop the sway bar down with a “spacer” or drop the mounting location down to accommodate oil pan clearance. Having a sway bar up front is crucial if keeping the factory drag link steering.
How did you find the harness??
Vq35 swap vs sr20det swap , wont mention sr20vet but cost vs hp and aftermarket support id say Sr is a way easier and performance potential bang for the buck !
@@4077661466jp I’m not really sure. I have an SR in my white truck and still think the VQ is a better choice overall.
you’re from texas??? love the videos man! trying to get a d21 soon and would love to talk you about a de swap.
Yep! North San Antonio (Bulverde). Hit me up on IG and let’s talk.
@@Inner_Sanctum just messaged you
Can you put AC on it though?
Anymore content on this build coming out soon?
Maybe. We are actually almost finished with everything on this truck. Still deciding whether I want to keep this channel anymore. Kind of not worth my time anymore. Haha
Yeah I understand that. You got some good content I just got one of these trucks so I never searched anything before but you do pop up as number one even in a google search for swaps. Unfortunately it looks like not as many people are into these trucks anymore so may not get the biggest following. Your drift truck is nice I have been watching what you did with that looks good.
Wondering if VQ37vyhr is even a rational possibility to swap into a D22 (2000 Desert Runner, V6 Automatic project vehicle ) Costly or not?
Maybe a little costly depending on how much you pick an engine set for. Totally rational though…
what rims are on your truck? the bronze/gold ones
They are Level 8 MK6 17x9 +0 (6x139.7 aka 6x5.5)
What about oil pan? Does it clear factory cross member?
Yes, it clears the factory crossmember and steering drag link with no issues. The only thing that has to be adjusted is the sway bar. We made small spacers that lower the sway bar mounting position to clear the pan. This was just the intro video. I will be doing a deep dive on episode 2 to show all the pertinent swap details.
Hey can you attach the link for the wire harness please?
Sure thing!
www.wiringspecialties.com/universal-vq35de-swap-wiring-harness/
What type of rims are you using
Trailmaster TM5 15x8 [6x5.5 lug; 3.75” backspacing]
What drive shaft are you using bro?
Factory 2-piece that a local driveline shop is going to shorten and add the 350z slip yoke.
Badass!!
Would a VG / FS5R30A bolt up to this motor?
Not without a custom adapter.
Is there a rough cost estimate on doing this swap? I'd like to do something like this to my D21.
We are in the process of adding everything up so we can give an exact cost breakdown.
I'm swapping a gmc 4.3 v6 into my 95 hardbody
Put v8 in that G that be nasty
@@4077661466jp I’m putting a VK56 in my G sedan. Haha
I want to do this swap so bad!!!
This is awesome!! I'm working on a similar project, what oil pan are you using for the swap? My engine came out of a Maxima so I think I need to get a different oil pan for the VQ to fit in my D21. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks! We are using the factory upper and lower oil pan. This is a RWD VQ from a Z. We did a little research on using a Pathfinder oil pan since it is rear sump, but found that we were able to fit with the factory pan.
I would probably stay away from the FWD version of the VQ for this swap. It will be much more of a headache in the long run. The block casting is totally different in regards to mounting and such. The mount location is tiny a pushed really far forward on the FWD VQs. Plus, you’d want the VQ to already be configured for a RWD application for ease of installation. Just my $.02.
What about your truck though???
Started working on it 2 days ago. Getting footage to make a new video.
The VK50 tho >>>>
Second this choice!
Thou shall not lead to temptation...
That would be insanity, and I am all for it!
POV- you can bench press the transmission for reps
Ya Rb is too long. V fits better. I regretted having a rb20 in my s13, so much better for a 70s Z!
What’s the wheels specs?